Knowing how to gesso paper can transform your creative process, giving you a fresh way to add texture and interest to your artwork. While gesso is typically used on canvas or board, applying it to paper opens up exciting possibilities for drawing and mixed media.
This method is ideal for breathing new life into old drawings, experimenting with textured surfaces, or preparing paper for layering different mediums. Gessoing paper is an accessible and versatile technique that can bring more depth and appeal to your art.
How to gesso paper
Gesso is a primer that is often used as a base on canvas or paper before drawing or painting. It helps to create a smooth surface that is easier to work on, and it also helps to protect the paper or canvas from damage. If you are using a mixed media sketchbook, it can be helpful to apply a layer of gesso to the pages before you start drawing.
1. Prepare the Gesso
Start by mixing the gesso in a bowl or container. Adjust the consistency so it’s thin enough to apply easily with a brush but not so thin that it becomes watery. This ensures smooth, even application without drips.
2. Apply the Gesso
Place your paper on a flat, stable surface. Using a brush, lightly coat the entire surface with gesso, ensuring an even layer that fully covers the paper. Work quickly but carefully to avoid uneven patches.
3. Let the Gesso Dry
Allow the gesso to dry completely before proceeding. This step is essential to ensure the surface sets and hardens properly, creating a stable base for your drawing.
4. Smooth the Surface
If the gessoed paper feels rough or uneven after drying, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smoother, more refined surface, making it easier to work on with your chosen medium.
Now that your paper is all gessoed up and ready to go, you can start drawing. Experiment with different mediums and see how the gesso affects the way they look and feel. You can also add additional layers of gesso for more texture; just make sure to allow each layer plenty of time to dry before adding another.
Recycling old drawings with gesso
When making larger drawings on thicker Canson or Strathmore paper, sometimes they just don't turn out.
When I'm not happy with an old drawing, I pull out the gesso and go over it. This is a great way to recycle the drawing and give it new life. I apply a thin layer of gesso over the entire surface, letting it dry before I start again.
You can also add a watercolor wash to the dried gesso and lightly sand the paper before you draw on it again. This process can be repeated multiple times, creating increasingly more visually interesting surfaces as the old drawings bleed through the layers of gesso. Many viewers will think this is intentional on your part.
Gessoing over old drawings is not only a great way to reuse them, but it also takes the stress out of using expensive Canson and Strathmore papers for your drawings.
Here are a few additional points that you might want to consider when recycling old drawings with gesso:
- Gesso is typically white, but you can also find it in other colors such as black, grey, and clear. Choosing a different colored gesso can give your recycled drawing a different overall look and feel.
- You can also experiment with adding texture to your gesso by using different tools or techniques. For example, you might try using a palette knife to create a rough, textured surface, or you might use a roller to create a smoother finish.
- Gesso is not the only option for recycling old drawings. You can also consider using other types of primer or even just applying a new layer of paint directly over the old drawing. Experimenting with different techniques can help you find the approach that works best for you.
Sanding the gessoed paper
Once the gessoed paper is dry, I recommend lightly sanding the paper to create a smooth surface to draw on.
Otherwise, the gesso will create a rough uneven surface.
Lightly sanding the gesso will also help to bring out any interesting textures that you've created. If you want a completely smooth surface, you can gesso the paper again and sand it once it's dry. Just make sure to let each layer of gesso dry completely before adding another.
When you're finished sanding, your paper should be smooth and ready for drawing. If it's not, you can always add another layer of gesso and sand it again.
Now that you know how to gesso paper, you can get started on your next mixed media drawing.
How to stop the paper from buckling
It's common for paper to buckle when gesso is applied to it because the gesso absorbs moisture from the air and causes the paper to expand. This can be frustrating, but there are a few ways to help prevent it.
One way to stop the paper from buckling is to weight it down as it dries. You can do this by placing something heavy, such as a book or a stack of papers, on top of the gessoed paper. This will help to keep the paper flat as it dries and prevent it from curling up.
Another option is to lightly spray the dried gessoed paper with a mist of water before placing it under a large drawing board to dry. The moisture from the water will help to relax the fibers in the paper and prevent it from buckling.
Once the paper has completely dried, it should be flat and ready for you to draw on. If the paper is still slightly curved, you can try misting it with water again and weighting it down until it becomes completely flat.
FAQs
What is gesso?
Gesso is a type of paint primer that is often used by artists. It can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common type is made from plaster of Paris.
Should I gesso paper before painting?
Applying gesso to paper creates a smooth surface by filling in imperfections and reducing roughness, making it an ideal base for paint, especially on lower-quality paper prone to blotchiness. Gesso also acts as a barrier, preventing paint from soaking through and staining the back of the paper, which is particularly useful for projects like sketchbooks or artwork displayed without a backing. Additionally, multiple layers of gesso can add texture, creating a more visually interesting surface to draw or paint on, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your work.
Should you gesso paper?
When deciding whether to gesso paper, consider the quality of the paper—thicker, smoother paper may not require it, but thinner or rough paper benefits from a gessoed surface. The type of paint also matters, as gesso can prevent paints like watercolors from soaking through. Lastly, think about your desired effect; gesso creates a smooth surface, while skipping it allows the paper’s natural texture to show.
Is gesso just white paint?
Gesso is not the same as white paint; it is a white, opaque primer designed to prepare surfaces for painting. Made from materials like plaster of Paris, pigment, and a binder such as glue or acrylic polymer, gesso creates a smooth, porous base that enhances paint adhesion and vibrancy. Commonly used on canvas, it can also be applied to paper, wood, or metal to fill imperfections, provide a uniform surface, and prevent paint from soaking through.
How do I apply gesso?
There are several ways to apply gesso to paper, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Using a brush allows for smooth, even strokes and works well for creating a thin, uniform layer; flat or round brushes provide a smoother finish, while textured brushes add interest. A palette knife is ideal for creating a textured surface by spreading the gesso with a scraping motion. Alternatively, a roller is a quick and efficient option for covering large areas evenly by rolling gesso poured onto a tray or palette across the paper.
Can I use gesso on any type of paper?
Using thicker paper is ideal when working with gesso, as it prevents the primer from soaking through and appearing on the other side, which is important for projects like sketchbooks or artworks displayed without a backing. If using thin paper, applying multiple layers of gesso can reinforce it, reducing the risk of buckling or tearing and ensuring your project remains durable over time.
What are some interesting ways to use gesso?
Gesso offers many creative possibilities beyond traditional priming. You can create textured surfaces by applying it with tools like a palette knife, experimenting with rough, smooth, or patterned effects. It’s also great for recycling old drawings—simply cover the existing artwork with gesso to start fresh. Colored gesso, available in options like black, gray, and clear, can add unique visual elements to your work. While commonly used on paper, gesso is versatile and works on surfaces like canvas, wood, or metal, providing a smooth base for painting.